Remedial Massage Therapy, Home Care Packages and the NDIS

The Australian Federal Government Department of Health and Ageing has confirmed that remedial massage is classified as an allied health service and therefore included it under the Home Care Package (HCP) Program if there is an assessed care need for the service.

Remedial massage therapy has long been recognised as an effective health care approach that encompasses a range of techniques to address specific musculoskeletal issues and mental health conditions.

Remedial massage works by stretching and stimulating tight muscles, fascia and trigger points. Techniques transiently increase blood flow to the region and stimulate the nerves in the area. This has been shown to reduce perceived muscle pain, improve strength and power, and reduce anxiety and stress. When combined with other interventions, remedial massage can assist with improving muscle length and function. Regular remedial massage can also facilitate recovery and long-term conditioning by modulating overactive and inactive soft tissues, and reducing fatigue and injury risk.

Remedial massage can be beneficial for a wide range of chronic conditions, many of which are experienced by the elderly and with disability.  Conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, arthritis (especially osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), and diabetes can benefit from remedial massage. A qualified massage therapist will undertake a thorough assessment with every patient to determine the best appraoch, and use a patient-centred and collaborative approach to management to achieve the goals of the client. 

Home Care Package (HCP) Recipients

Remedial massage is available to HCP recipients through an Approved Provider - that is, a provider that is approved by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner to deliver Australian Government subsidised home, residential or flexible care services to eligible older Australians.

Approved Providers have responsibility to determine whether a particular service will maintain the care recipient’s capabilities to be well and independent, safe in their home, and connected to their community.

Importantly, a care recipient can access remedial massage therapy services that are provided by a remedial massage therapist through an Approved Provider when the service is:

• required due to age-related functional decline and/or client cannot access disability supports
• in line with best practice guidance for treatment
• delivered by an accredited provider
• not concurrently being funded by another government program

Remedial massage therapists can also provide massage services to people living in retirement homes and

aged care facilities who are over 65, who have a HCP.

NDIS Clients

If you are on the NDIS and require support to improve mobility and muscle function, or suffer from chronic pain or joint stiffness, you may be able to access funding for remedial massage therapy under your plan. Essentially, it depends on your individual needs and whether this support is related to your disability and will help you pursue your goals and aspirations.

Accessing remedial massage services via your NDIS fund depends on how your fund is managed. 

Self-managed NDIS participants

If you're a self-managed NDIS participant and massage therapy has been recommended under under your capacity-building budget, you can book and pay for remedial massage services and then make a payment request with your fund using the receipt.

Plan-managed NDIS participants

If you're a plan-managed NDIS participant, you will need to speak with your plan manager and determine whether the service is covered under your funding. Your physiotherapist can also liaise with plan managers on behalf of clients to facilitate this and manage the booking and payment.

NDIA-managed participants

NDIA-managed participants must work with registered NDIA providers. Fortunately, Movement For Life Physiotherapy is a registered provider. We recommend you speak with the NDIA to determine whether this service is covered under your funding. Your physiotherapist can also liaise with the NDIA to facilitate this if required.

The best way to find out if massage therapy is covered by your NDIS funding is to chat with your

fund manager to double-check what is and isn’t covered.

Whether you are suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, an injury, or tension in the body, a remedial massage therapy can help as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment plan, individualized to suit your needs and health care goals.

Want to learn more about remedial massage and how it can help? Click here.

If you're looking for a Remedial Massage Therapist, then give us a call.

We have a fully qualified, experienced massage therapist on staff who works closely with our clinical team to achieve outstanding results.

Give us a call on 08 8945 3799 or Book Online now.